Most learners are able to show a clear and independent understanding of the bullying concept, with the views learners hold of bullying correlating closely to the traditional scholastic descriptions. When considering the distinction between bullying and abuse perpetrated by adults, as many as 1/10 learners have experience some from of abuse at the hands of known/ unknown (parents/ teachers) adults which is believed to hamper learners from reporting such incidents.

If you are being bullied, you may feel isolated or frightened. You may find it hard to make friends or talk to people in your age group.

YOU DON"T HAVE TO PUT UP WITH BULLYING!

To stop bullying, speak to someone. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather the first step to resolving a situation that is not acceptable.

Current research has helped to highlight the concerns regarding the seriousness and impact of bullying, specifically among young people. Most reviled feelings of sadness and depression, which in turn impact young people's emotional development and functioning. These negative emotions could contribute to the youth being trapped in a viscous cycle of exploitation and not being able to cope with not only the learning environment, but broader society as well.

The persistence of these negative emotions may lead young people to engage in self-destructive behavior such as drug and alcohol abuse in an attempt to escape these feelings. This behavior only helps to exacerbate the impact bullying has, and it is therefore recommended that intervention strategies be directed towards developing coping mechanisms for both the victims and the perpetrators.

(Perpetrators have also expressed that their bullying behavior impacts their emotions negatively).

Considering the emotional, psychological and physical effects on victims, acts of bullying should be taken seriously and warrants appropriate the action. It is of great benefit to adopt a restorative approach when considering bullying, which will encourage and afford a victim an opportunity to verbalize emotions regarding the impact of the incident and to encourage the perpetrator to take responsibility for his/ her actions and make amends.